Today’s stories: Local ties to Obama administration, Bishops stand up for immigrant rights

Today I spoke with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz about a meeting they’re attending tomorrow in Chicago with president-elect Barack Obama’s staff, where they’ll be offering recommendations for a new White House Urban Policy office.

Rybak said he and Kautz will be joining a cast of “big city” mayors. I got a chance to ask Rybak if he’s hoping to get a job with Obama. His answer: He loves Minnesota and wants to stay here. (However, I forgot to ask if he wants to run for governor.)

I also listened in on a Tuesday phone conference with some representatives of Minnesota Catholic Bishops, who, on the two-year anniversary of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement of Worthington’s Swift plant are calling for comprehensive immigration reform.

Go here to listen to both KFAI stories (along with other parts of the newscast). Hopefully you can forgive the rough parts. I’m new to radio. Did I mention I’m trying to expand my skills?

I also attended the last meeting of Minneapolis’ Police Community Relations Council (PCRC) which formed five years ago to address goals for minority inclusion in police work, according to a federal mediation agreement. More on this to come soon.